What is the primary role of forests in regulating atmospheric carbon, which allows them to be described as 'carbon pumps'?

They absorb carbon dioxide through the process of photosynthesis.

They increase local humidity and rainfall through transpiration.

They provide essential habitats for a wide variety of organisms that consume carbon.

They release large amounts of oxygen, which displaces carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

A large area of a tropical rainforest is cleared for agriculture. How does this action immediately affect the local atmosphere's composition?

The concentration of atmospheric nitrogen increases significantly.

Oxygen levels rise because there are fewer organisms respiring.

The rate at which carbon dioxide is removed from the air decreases.

The amount of water vapor in the air decreases due to less soil exposure.

A gradual decrease as new trees perform photosynthesis.

A rapid increase as new plants release stored ground carbon.

No significant change in CO₂ levels would be observed.

A sharp decrease in atmospheric oxygen levels.

An increase in the rate of water evaporation from the soil.

A significant decrease in the rate of carbon dioxide absorption from the atmosphere.

A rapid drop in local air temperature due to increased wind speeds.

An immediate increase in the rate of decomposition in the soil.